Guwahati’s deteriorating infrastructure presents a major roadblock to Khel Maharan’s successful implementation
The Assam government's 'Khel Maharan' initiative, designed to unearth and nurture grassroots sports talent, faces significant challenges in Guwahati due to a critical shortage of playgrounds and recreational spaces. Despite the programme's noble objectives, the city's dwindling open areas hinder its effective implementation and the broader promotion of sports among youth.
Launched to bridge the gap between rural talent and the broader sports arena, 'Khel Maharan' serves as a platform for village athletes to showcase their skills. Commencing at the panchayat level, the initiative facilitates progression through district and state levels, offering participants exposure to advanced training and competition.
The inaugural edition, spanning from November 1, 2023, to January 10, 2024, witnessed over 55 lakh participants across five disciplines. Buoyed by this success, 'Khel Maharan 2.0' was launched on November 13, 2024, incorporating additional sports such as chess, swimming, and traditional cycling. By late November, approximately 73 lakh youths had registered, with 33 lakh actively competing.
While the programme aims to encourage participation in sports at the grassroots level, Guwahati’s deteriorating infrastructure presents a major roadblock to its successful implementation.
Guwahati's rapid urbanisation has led to a marked reduction in open spaces, adversely affecting the availability of playgrounds. Historically, the city boasted lush fields and parks that served as hubs for sporting activities. However, many of these areas have been lost to infrastructural developments, leaving the playful youth with limited venues for physical activities.
The scarcity of playgrounds has had a tangible impact on the city's sporting culture. Residents have voiced concerns about the deteriorating condition of existing fields. Kunal Dey, a resident of Khanapara said, "The available fields are not well maintained and the ground is uneven." This neglect not only discourages participation but also poses safety risks for aspiring athletes.
City officials have acknowledged the pressing issue of inadequate recreational spaces. Speaking to GPlus, Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of Guwahati, stated, "People don't leave an inch of land for playgrounds or temples. Above all, it is a subject of the district commissioner."
This comment underscores the complexities involved in urban planning and land allocation. Efforts to reach the district administration for further insights were unsuccessful. The lack of proactive responses from government authorities has only deepened public frustration, as parents and sports enthusiasts struggle to find adequate spaces for practice.
The lack of adequate playgrounds in Guwahati poses a significant obstacle to the objectives of 'Khel Maharan'. The initiative aims to identify and nurture sports talent from the grassroots level, but without proper infrastructure, achieving these goals becomes challenging. The absence of suitable venues not only hampers the training and development of young athletes but also diminishes the enthusiasm and participation rates among the youth.
Furthermore, while the government is focused on identifying talented athletes through 'Khel Maharan', the absence of local playing fields means that many promising players do not get the consistent training needed to excel at higher levels. Young footballers, cricketers, and athletes who qualify for district-level selections often find it difficult to continue training due to the lack of accessible facilities.
As the largest city in Assam and the region's administrative and commercial hub, Guwahati should ideally be the epicentre of sporting activities in the state. However, its lack of infrastructure has prevented it from fully harnessing its potential. While other states have thriving urban sports cultures supported by available open spaces and well-maintained playgrounds, Guwahati struggles with inadequate sporting venues beyond a handful of facilities like the Nehru Stadium and Sarusajai Sports Complex.
The absence of dedicated spaces has meant that many emerging sports like hockey, athletics, and swimming have not found a strong foothold in Guwahati. Unlike states like Odisha, which has developed world-class hockey infrastructure, or Karnataka, which has produced top swimmers, Assam’s capital city lags behind due to infrastructural negligence. This deficiency not only stunts the development of individual athletes but also limits the city's ability to host major tournaments, which could otherwise boost local interest in sports.
Unfortunately, the Assam government has not even outlined plans to enhance sports infrastructure. Even projects that include the development of school fields and the construction of mini stadiums across various districts. The effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing the immediate needs of Guwahati's youth may develop the entire scenario.
Furthermore, the success of 'Khel Maharan' has prompted discussions about providing top-notch training and facilities to selected players for national tournaments. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the expansion of the initiative to support young athletes, aiming to ensure they receive all necessary support to compete in national tournaments and help win medals for the state.
However, unless immediate action is taken to restore and preserve existing playgrounds, these efforts may prove futile. A long-term urban planning strategy that incorporates dedicated sports facilities is crucial to sustain sporting enthusiasm among the city’s youth.
While 'Khel Maharan' represents a commendable effort to promote sports at the grassroots level, its success in Guwahati is contingent upon addressing the critical shortage of playgrounds. A holistic approach involving urban planning reforms, community engagement, and expedited infrastructure projects is essential to create an environment where the city's youth can truly thrive in sports.
Without such measures, Guwahati will continue to miss out on significant sporting opportunities. As Assam's premier city, it should set an example for the entire state. Instead, it lags behind, failing to provide its young athletes with even the most basic resources to train and compete. Unless authorities take immediate steps to prioritise sports infrastructure, initiatives like 'Khel Maharan' risk falling short of their transformative potential.
